Receiving a warm, heartfelt welcome when leaving the small seaplane at the jetty of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, still a bit dizzy after the long overnight journey from Europe, is the perfect way to tune in to the spirit of Thilamaafushi island. Three days of magic, here we come!
Our first day starts with a very welcome late poolside lunch at the Velaa Bar+ Grill while we wait for our villa to be ready. The overwater villa leaves nothing to be desired: lt’s furnishing cleverly combines European efficiency with Maldivian magic.
After settling in, we start our first evening at the La Vie bar with a complimentary glass of chilled rose wine, served by a mysterious gloved hand through a small curtained window. „Ring for Rose“ is the
fitting name for this amusing procedure. After this truly memorable aperitif we have a romantic dinner at the Tabemasu restaurant.
Day 2 starts with an extensive breakfast at the Turquoise restaurant which truly offers something for every taste, be it European, Asian, or local. At the Marine Conservation Hub we meet marine biologist Cesar who provides us with fascinating insights about all things living in the sea around the island
before taking us for one of the many highlights of our visit: A snorkelling adventure to see the turtles
in Le Méridien‘s house reef, just a few minutes away from the shore! Those memories will never fade, also thanks to the GoPro films that Cesar made of us while in (and especially while under!) the water.
After lunch at the beachside Riviera restaurant (my personally favourite on the island), Le Méridien‘s Director of Engineering takes us to a guided „Back of the house“ tour where we gain insights in what is happening behind the scenes. Very impressed by the state-of-the-art solar panels, waste management systems and energy-saving practises that define the resort‘s commitment to sustainability and
environmental preservation. And they make it all look so easy! A training session at Le Méridien‘s Padel Court prepares us for another highlight of our visit, the Teppanyaki dinner at Tabemasu restaurant which is artistically and playfully presented by the charismatic cook. What an end to a wonderful day!
Day 3 starts with yet another highlight: The Floating Breakfast, which is served in the private pool of the villa on a heart-shaped floating tray. After this, we are off to Le Méridien‘s Spa to enjoy its famous Couple Spa Treatment with a view into the coral gardens below through the clear panelled floor.
Thus refreshed and feeling brand-new, we are well prepared for the Greenhouse tour where all the leafy greens and fresh herbs used in the resort are grown. Soon it is time to head to the Dive Centre to start the Sunset Dolphin cruise, which in our opinion should be compulsory for every guest of Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa: There is simply no way anybody could miss meeting those intelligent and friendly animals and watching them playfully chase each other around the boat.
Our adventure at Le Méridien Maldives fittingly ends on the beach with a romantic private beach dinner under the stars while we put our feet in the warm sand. In the morning it is time to say goo-bye to General Manager Thomas Schult and his team, boarding another small seaplane on the same jetty we arrived. It is so easy to fall in love with this island, this resort and these wonderful people – we surely did. Don‘t believe us? Try it for yourself!
Photos ©Le Méridien Maldives